Feeler mechanism for looms



E. A. AND i. VP CUNNIF?.

FEELER MECHAvSM FOR LOOIWx APPLICAYION FILiD MAY 20, 2920. I ll, mme@ om. SSH T E. A. AND i, V. CUNNFF.

HMHSM FOS LOUMS.

APPLICATION MED MAY 20, 1920.

FEHLER MEC Patented Gaia. lf.

NHTE @TTS EDWARD A. CUNNIEF AND JOHN V. CUNNIFF, OF FALL RIVER, MASSACHUSETTS,

ASSIGNORS -TO DRAPER CORPORATION,

CORPORATION OF MAINE.

0F HOPEDALJE, MASSACHUSETTS, A

FEELER IVIECHANISli/I FOR LOOMS.

Applicationv filed May 20,

To all yw/zom z'zy may Concern-J Be it known that we, llmvAim A. CUN- Nirr and JoHN V. CUNNIFF, citizens of the llnited States. residing at Fall River, county of Bristol, and State of Massachusetts, have invented an improvement in Feeler Mechanisms for Looms. of which the following description, in connection with the accompanying drawings` is a specification, like characters on the drawings representing like parts.

This invention relates to feeler mechanisms for looms, whereby the filling is changed or replenished whenthat in the active shuttle is found to be substantially exhausted.

Heretofore it has been the common practice in feeler looms to detect the condition of the filling in the shuttle at one side of the loom and to replenish the filling when the shuttle reaches the opposite side of the loom. Some attempts have also been made to detect the condition of the filling in the shuttle at the replenishing side of the loom, but in these cases complication has been introduced into the feeler mechanism owing to the necessit-y for quick action of the replenishing mechanism following the detection of substantial exhaustion of the filling. Feeler mechanisms, to be practicallyv efficient, must be sensitive either to the presence of a working supply of filling in the shuttle, or to its substantial exhaustion; and failure in either of these respects renders the filling mechanism practically useless. Owing to the complications in the feeler mechanisms 'heretofore suggested, wherein the feeler has been located at the replenishing side of the loom, the sensitiveness, and therefore the practical utility of feeler mechanisms of this character have not been such as requirements demand.

The present invention vrelates more particularly to feeler mechanisms wherein the feeler enters the shuttle on a detecting beat at the replenishing side of the loom, and upon detection of substantial exhaustion of filling, effects the transfer or replenishment of filling on the same beat of the lay that the feelerdetects substantial exhaustion. An important feature of the invention, therefore, consists of a feeler mechanism Where- Specication of Letters Patent.

Patented @et d, 192i..

1920. Serial No. 352,@23.

in the feeler is mounted at the replenishing s1de of the loom to enter the shuttle on each detecting beat, due to the frontward movement of the lay; and upon detection of substantial exhaustion of lling, a train of mechanism is actuated for replenishing the filling on the same beat of the lay that the feeler detects substantial exhaustion.

The feeler being mounted at theqreplenishing side of the loom, and entering'the shuttle to detect the condition of filling, mu'st be removed from the shuttle when the filling is to be replenished, because otherwise the end of the feeler would obstruct the passage of the new supply of filling into the shuttle. An important feature of the present invention, therefore, consists of a feeler mechanism of the character described wherein the feeler is Withdrawn from the shuttle when the filling is to be replenished, to thereby permit the new supply of filling to pass into the shuttle Without obstruction from the end of the feeler.

ln carrying the present invention into practical effect, it is found expedient to connect the transferrer to a train of mechanism which is normally positioned to be engaged on each forward movement of the lay to effect operationof the transferrer, and to remove the train of mechanism from its operative position on a detecting beat when the feeler ascertains that a Working supply is present in4 the shuttle, and permit the train of mechanism to remain in operative position when the feeler detects substantial exhaustion of lling on a .detecting beat. The trainof mechanism being normally positioned for operation as the lay beats up, it is necessary to provide that the transferrer shall remain inoperative when the lay makes its non-detecting beat. Therefore, another important feature of the present invention consists of means for removing the train of mechanism or a part thereof from operative 'position when the lay makes it non-detecting beat.

Other features of the invention and novel combinations of parts and elements will be described in addition to the above,l and in connection with the accompanying drawings which illustrate one good, practical form o the invention, although it is to be yunderstood that details may be changed without departing from the true scope of the actual invention.

1n the drawings Figure 1 is a perspective view of' portions otl the loom showing the present invention associated therewith, some of the parts beingfbroken away to disclose the others beyond;

Fig. 2 is a transverse sectionof the loom at the replenishing and detecting side. showing more particularly the features associated with the present invention and the operation of' parts when a working supply of' filling is present in the shuttle on a detecting beat;

Fig. 3 is a detached detail showing the action of the feeler mechanism and associated parts as the lay moves to front position on its detecting` beat when a working supply of filling is present in the shuttle;

Fig. 4 is a view showing the action of parts of the feeler mechanism and transferrer as the lay approaches but before it reaches front position on a detecting beat, with the filling substantially exhausted in the shuttle;

Fig. 5 is a view similar to that of Fig. 4

showing the transferrer having been actu' ated to effect the replenishment of filling and the feeler having been withdrawn-from the shuttle-box Fig. 6 is an enlarged perspective detail showing the feeler, feeler carrier, and details of the dog connected with the transferrer;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged detail illustration of parts of the feeler mechanism looking in the direction of the arrow, Fig, 6;

Fig. 8 shows the normal-position of the feeler and dog; and

Fig. 9 is a section on the'gline 9-9, Fig. 8.

The loom frame may be of any desired character suitable for supporting the loom parts, and in the present instance comprises the usual breast beam 1 and sta-nd 2 on which is supported the filling supplying mechanism or hopper. In the present instance the hopper 3 is ofthe rotary type and is mounted for rotative movement on an axis 4 which may be supported, as usual, from the bracket 2. The rotary hopper 3 has the usual filling carriers or bobbins 5 mounted thereon for successive presentation to transferring position as the hopper is rotated. Mounted on and extending backwardly from the front of the loom is the stop 6 which may be as usual in this class of looms, and against which the filling in the filling carrier or bobbin next to be transferred to the shuttle rests. A pivoted arm or other yielding support 7,

Fig. 2, of usual character, may prevent aceidental discharge of the filling carriers from the hopper as they approach transferring position.

The filling hopper has a series of ratchet fixed support.

teeth 8, Fig. 2, by which the hopper may be rotated from time to time as the filling carriers are transferred, and in order to bring another filling carrier to transferring position. The means for operating the hopper to effect the results stated is not part of' the present invention, and may be of the type usually found in filling replenishing looms.

The lay 9 is provided with the usual shuttle-boxes 10, and t-he shuttle-box at the replenishing side of the loom below the hopper has a discharge opening 11 through which the filling carriers are adapted to pass when the transferrer moves downwardly, as will more fully appear.

Mounted for rocking movement about an axis l2, Figs. 2, 3, 4, and 5. is the transferrer 13 which may be of usual character adapted for transferringa filling carrier from the hopper to the shuttle when the transferrer is called into action. Extending downwardly from the hub portion 14 of the transferrer, Fig. 2, is the ar-m 15, to the lower end portion of' which at 16 is mounted the dog o1' swinging member 17 having a face portion 18 provided with an engaging recess 19 to be struck by the bunter on thevlay, as will presently ap ear, when filling is to be replenished. ounted upon the lay at the re-` plenishing side of the loom and opposite the face of the dog 17 is the bunter 20 which is adapted to engage the recess 19 of the dog 17 as the lay beats up. A spring 21 which preferablly surrounds the pivotal mounting 16, whic "connects the dog to the arm 15, normaily `holds the dog 17 in its operative position for engagement With the bunter 20 as the lay beats up.

The dog 17 may be made adjustable by forming it in two parts, and connecting these parts, as indicated in Fig. 6, by an adjusting screw 22. This adjustment enables the dog 17 and bunter 20 to be properly related. From the construction described it will be apparent that upon frontward movement of the lay, either on the detecting or non-detecting heat, if the bunter 17 is not moved out of its operative position, the transferrer 13 will be actuated to transfer a` filling carrier from the hopper.

Mounted in front of the lay at the replenishing side of the loom is the feeler which enters the shuttle on each detecting beat and detects the condition of the filling. Through the instrumentality of the feeler the transferrer is actuated to transfer a fresh supply of filling in the shuttle when the filling in the shuttle is found to be substantially exhausted on a detecting beat.

The feeler 23 is pivotally connected to a yfeeler carrier 24 which may be pivoted at 25, Fig. 6, to the stand 2 or any other suitable The feeler carrier 24 hasa portion which normally bears upon the dog 17 and the relation of parts is such that should the feeler carrier 24 be moved frontwardly by engagement of the feeler of a surface within the shuttle on a detecting beat, the dog 1T will be moved out of its operative into its inoperative position with respect to the bunter 20.

Inthe present instance thc feeler carrier 24 has a shoe or cam portion 26 provided with the rounded surface 27 which bears upon the upper rounded surface 28 formed as part of or secured to the dog 1T. A spring normally holds the feeler carrier 24 in its rearward position such that the dog 17 may be held in its operative position relative to the bunter 2O in response to the spring 21. In the present instance the spring for holding the feeler carrier 24 in its normal rearward position is indicated at 29 and is preferably wound about the axis of the pivotal support 25, one end of the spring being secured in fixed position and the other end as at 30, bearing upon the feeler carrier 24 and normally tending to move it rearwardly. Fig. 6. A stop pin 31 projecting from the feeler stand 2 is adapted to be engaged by a stop 32 carried by theV feeler carrier 24 and define the normal position of the feeler carrier under actuation of its spring 30.

The feeler 23 is pivotally mounted on the feeler carrier 24, and the connection between the feeler and feeler carrier is preferably such that in addition to its pivotal movement, the feeler 23 may be adjusted lengthwise relative to the feeler carrier to properly relate the feeler to the coperating parts. 1n the present instance of the invention, the feeler carrier 24 has pivotally connected thereto the guide 33 in which is adjustably mounted the feeler 23. The adjustable connection between the guide 33 and the feeler V23 may be conveniently formed by a slot 34, Fig. 8, formed in the feeler 23, throughA which may pass the adjusting screws 35. The guide 33 is pivotally mounted on the feeler carrier 24 at 36, and a spring 37 which may appropriately surround the pivot 36 of the guide. normally acts to hold the guide in a predetermined position with the feeler extending rearwardly into its feeling position. The predetermined position of the guide, and. perforce, the feeler 23 carried thereby, may be conveniently determined by a stop 38, Fig. 8, against which the upper edge of the guide 33 may normally rest under the actuation of the spring 37, the construction being such that when the feeler carrier 24 is in its normal position as indicated in Fig. 6, and the feeler 23 is in its normal feeling position, the guide 33 will rest against the shoulder 38 of the feeler carrier and the parts will be maintained in position for the feeler to perorm its feeling function on a detecting eat.

The front wall of the shuttle-box 10 has an opening 39, Figs. 2, 3, 4 and 5, which is adapted to register with a corresponding opening 40 in the adjacent wall of the shuttle 41 when the latter is in the' box at the replenishing side of the loom, the. construction being such that the feeler 23 while in its normal feeling position may enter the slots or openings 39 or 40 in the shuttlebox or shuttle, respectively, as the lay beats up. and ascertain the condition of the filling.

lVhen the shuttle contains a Working supply of filling on a Aletecting beat, which occurs when the shuttle 'is in the shuttle-box at the replenishing side of the loom, the end of the feeler 23 will be engaged b v the filling as the lay moves frontwardly. The frontward movement of the feeler due to the push of the surface within thel shuttle swings the feeler carrier 24 about its pivotal sup-` port 25 and causes the cam or inclined end portion 26 of the feeler carrier to ride along thc inclined surface 28 of the dog 17 and thereby depress or lower the end of the dog so that the recess 19 will be moved below the path of` the bunter 2O as the lay beats up. Thus the dog 17, which is normally in operativel position, is moved from operative position on a detecting beat when the feeler finds a working supply of filling in the shuttle.

Should the filling be 4substantially exhausted from the shuttle on a detecting beat. the feeler 23 will again enter the shuttle as the lay moves frontwardly and detect the condition lof substantial exhaustion. Owing to the decreased mass or diameter of filling infthe shuttle'when the filling is substantially exhausted. the feeler 23 will not bemoved frontwardly sufficiently-far to lower the end of the dog 17 out of the path of the bunter 2O as the lay beats up and the bunter will thereupon push the dog frontwardly and consequently turn the trans-- ferrer or operate it to detect a transfer of the filling from the hopper to the shuttle as the lay finishes its frontward movement. The end of the bunter 20 and the recess 19 of the dog 17 may be appropriately formed as shown. to maintain these parts in engagement and prevent turning of the dog about its pivotal connection 16 with the transferrer as the lay moves frontwardly so that -the transferrer will be actuated to effect the transfer.

inasmuch as the feeler extends into the shuttle to detect the condition of the filling on a detecting beat, it becomes necessaryto remove the path of the incoming filling carrier and its load when the transferrer is actuated. 1n other words, after the feeler has performed its feeling function and set in action the train of mechanism for eEecting replenishment of filling, it has completed its feeling function and. is then to be withdrawn from the shuttle to permit, the

transfer of the filling carrier from the hopper to the shuttle` and eject from the shuttle the subs-tantially-exhausted filling carrier.

Mounted upon the dog 1T is a feeler-withdrawing finger which. when the dog is moved frontwardly after it has been engaged by the bunter to effect replenishment of filling, withdraws the feeler from the path of the incoming filling carrier and its load. In the present instance of the invention, the feeler-withdrawing finger 42 is carried by an arm 43 which is adjustably secured to the dog 17. The arm 43 has a fattened portion 44 provided with slots 45 through which pass the securing bolts 46.' The part 42 of the withdrawing-finger is preferably formed as a laterally-projecting stud which is positioned rearwardly of the feeler carrier 24. The parts are so related that when the dog 17 is moved frontwardly on a detecting beat, to effect replenishment of filling, the withdrawing finger acting upon the feeler carrier 24 near its pivotal support 25 gives the feeler carrier and the feeler carried thereby la frontward movement sufiicient to remove the feeler from the shuttle and out of the path of the incoming filling carrier and its load as the transferrer effects the transfer of a filling carrier from the hopper to the shuttle. The successive positions of the several parts in effecting the transfer, as hereinbefore described, is clearly illustrated by Figs. 4 and 5. wherein Fig. 4 indicates the feeler as it detects substantialv exhaustion of filling in the shuttle, and just prior to the time when the bunter engages the dog; while Fig. 5 indicates that the lay has moved frontwardly still farther, the bunter has engaged the dog, and the withdrawing finger has withdrawn the feeler from the shuttle to allow the new filling carrier to be transfer-red farther from the hopper.

Inasmuch as the dog 17 is normally positioned to be engaged by the bunter 2O as the lay beats up, such engagement would take place when the shuttle was at the nondetecting and non-replenishing side of the loom in the absence of means to prevent; but the present invention provides means for preventing the operation of the transferrer when the shuttle is at the non-detect- .ing side of the loom. In the present instance of the invention, the brackets 47 are mounted upon ythe loom frame, preferably one at each side thereof, and one of which is indicated at Fig. 7, and in the bracket 47- is mounted the rock shaft 48 extending fromthe replenishing toward the non-replenishing sideof the loom. Secured to'and extending from the rock shaft 48'at the replenishing side of the loom is the arm 49 having a bifurcated or slotted portionO and adjustably secured to the rock shaftV 48 by a set screw 51. The dog 17 has extending downwardl) therefrom the lug 52, Fig.

1, from which extends the pin 53 which engages the slotted portion 50 with the arm 4t). the construction being such that should the rock shaft 48 be turned or rocked contraclockwise, viewing Fig. 1 the dog 17 will v54 has a finger 55 which is normally under the influence of a spring 56 for holding the rock shaft and perforce the finger 54 in a contraclockwise position with the finger .54 resting against a pin or other projection 57 extending from or connected with the cam follower 58. The cam follower as usual, is pivoted at 59 to a fixed part of the loom and has a rearwardly-extending arm 60 carrying a roller 61 which rides upon the cam 62 carried by the cam shaft 63, which, as usual in looms, is actuated to cause the cam follower to make one complete movement for each two beatup movements of the lay. In other words, the cam follower 58 and its pin 57 will'be moved frontwardly on that )eat of the lay known as the non-detecting beat,` when the shuttle is at the non-replenishing side of the loom, the construction being such that when there is no shuttle in the box at the replenishing and feeler side of the loom, the dog 17 will be actuated to remove itfrom operative position so thatv the transferrer will not eject a filling carrier from the hopper.

The construction which has been described as one embodiment of the present invention is found to be efficient and Well adapted for its purposes; but it is to be understood, of course, that the details of the mechanism may be changed within the true spirit of the invention as defined by the claims.

What is claimed is: i

1. In a feeler mechanism for looms, the combination of a feeler supported at the front of the loom on the replenishing side to enter the shuttle and detect the condition of filling, a transferrer, a dog connected to the transferrer, and normally positioned to effect replenishment of filling as the lay beats up, and a dog displacer operated by the feeler when it detects a Working supply of filling present in the shuttle on a detecting beat to move the dogr to an inoperative position and prevent the transfer.

2. In a feeler mechanism for looms, the combination of a feeler supported to enter the shuttle on the replenishing side of the loom and detect the condition of the filling in the shuttle, a transferrer for transferring Leeaele al filling carrier to the shuttle, a dog connected to the transferrer constructed and ar-v ranged to effect operative movement of the transferrer when the filling is to be changed, a feeler withdrawing arm connected to the dog and actuated thereby to vWithdraw the feeler from the shuttle-box after the feeler has indicated substantial exhaustion of filling.

3.- In a feeler mechanism for looms, the combination of a feeler mounted at the replenishing side of the loom in front of the lay, a swinging carrier on which the feeler is mounted, a transferrer, a dog connected to the. tiansferrer, a dog positioning cam carried by the swinging feeler carrier for inoperatively positioning the dog When the feeler detects a Working supply of filling in the shuttle on a detecting beat and for operatively positioning the dog when the feeler detects substantial exhaustion of filling, and means for causing the dog to effect transfer movement of the transferrer When the dog is in operative position.

4. In a feeler mechanism for looms, the combination of-a feeler mounted 'at the replenishing side of the loom in front of the lay, a swinging carrier on Which the feeler ismounted, a transferrer, a dog connected to the transferrer, a dog positioning cam carried by the Swinging feeler carrier for inoperatively positioning the dog when the feeler detects a Working supply lof filling in the shuttle on a detecting beat and for operatively positioning the dog When the feeler detects substantial exhaustion of filling, means for causing the dog to effect transfer movement of the transferrer when the dog is in operative position, and means rendered effective by the dog for Withdrawing the feeler from the shuttle when filling is being transferred.

5. In a feeler mechanism for looms, the combination of a feeler supportedat the front of the loom on the replenishing side to enter the shuttle and detect the condition of filling, a. transferrer, a dog connected to the transferrer and normally positioned to effect replenishment of filling as the lay beats up, a dog displacer operated by the .feeler when it detects a Working supply of filling present in the shuttle on a detecting beat to move the dog to an inoperative position and prevent the transfer, and means connected to the dog for moving it into an inoperative position on the non-detecting beat of the lay.

6. In a feeler mechanism for looms, the combination of the lay, a bunter carried by the lay, a transferrer,` a dog connected to the transferrer to be engaged by the vbunter to effect replenishment of filling, a feeler mounted independent of the lay and extending rearwardly .to enter the front Wall of the shuttle when'it is in the box at the re- Fea plenishing side of the loom, means actuated by frontward movement of the feeler to inoperatively position the dog When the feeler detects a Working supply of filling in the shuttle on a detecting beat of the lay, and means also connected to the dog for placing it in an inoperative position on the nondetecting beat of the lay.

7. In a feeler mechanism for looms, the combination of a feeler that is mounted at the replenishing side of the loom to enter the shuttle and detect the condition ofthe filling, a transferrer, means connected to the transferrer and normally positioned to effect replenishment of filling as the lay beats up, and devices actuated by frontward movement of the feeler on a detecting beat t0 remove the said means from its operative position when the feeler detects a Working supply of filling in the shuttle.

8. In a feeler mechanism for looms, the combination of a feeler that is mounted at the replenishing side of the loom to enter the shuttle and detect the condition of the filling, 'a transferrer, a dog connected to the transferrer and normally positioned to effeet replenishment of filling as the lay beats up, devices actuated by the feeler as it is moved frontwardly on a detecting beat to remove the said dog from its operative position when the feeler detects a Working supply of filling in the shuttle, and mechanism for removing said dog from operative position on the non-detecting beat to prevent transfer of a filling carrier.

9. In a feeler mechanism for looms, the combination of a feeler that is mounted upon the loom frame to extend rearwardly from the lfront of the loom at the replenishing side to enter the shuttle and engage the filling on alternate beats of the lay, normally operatively positioned means for effecting replenishment of filling including a yield ingly mounted `dog Which is moved from such operative .position by the feeler when it detects a Working supplyof filling in the shuttle on a detecting beat, and means for moving the dog from operative position on the non-detecting beats of the lay.

10. In a feeler mechanism for looms, the combination of a lay, a bunter carried by the la a transferrer, a dog connected to the transferrer and normally positioned to be engaged by the bunter to effect replenishment of filling, a feeler mounted independent of the lay and extending rearwardly to lenter the front Wall of the shuttle when it is in the box at the replenishing side of the loom, and means actuated by the frontward movement of the feeler due to the push of a surface Within the shuttle to move the dog from operative position When the feeler detects a working supply of filling in the shuttle.

11. In a feeler mechanism for looms, the

combination of the lay, a bunter carried by the lay, a transferrer, a dog connected to the transferrer and normally positioned to be engaged by the bunter as the lay beats up to effect transfer of a filling carrier, a feeler mounted in f'ront and independent of' the lay at the replenishing side of' the loom, and means connected to the f'eeler to position the dog for engagement by the bunter and effect replenishment ofl filling on the same detecting beat that the f'eeler detects substantial exhaustion of filling.

12. In a feeler mechanism for looms, the combination of the lay, a bunter carried by thc lay, a transferrer, a dog connected to the transferrer and normally positioned to be engaged by the bunter as the lay beats up to effect transfer of a filling carrier, a feeler mounted in front and independent of the lay at the replenishing side of' the loom, means connected to the f'eeler to position the dog for engagement by the bunter and effect replenishment of' filling on the same detecting beat that the feeler detects substantial exhaustion of' filling, and means for removing the dog from position to be struck by the bunter on the non-detecting beat.

13. In a f'eeler mechanism for looms, the combination of a feeler supported to extend from the f'ront toward the rear of the loom at the replenishing side to enter the shuttle as the lay beats up and detect the amount of filling in the shuttle, a transferrer, means normally held in position to operate the transferrer as the lay beats up and that is moved out of said position on a detecting beat by frontward movement of the feeler when a working amount of filling is present, and devices for moving the same means out of' operative position on the non-detecting beat while the f'eeler remains in feeling position. i

In testimony whereof, we have signed our names to this specification.

EDWARD A. CUNNIFF. JOHN V, CUNNIFF. 

